Business & Tech

Mela Out, Diwani In

New Indian restaurant takes over for Mela at 47 East Ridgewood Ave.

After 20 years operating in the village, "authentic" Indian kitchen Mela has closed up shop. In its place, however, a new team believes Indian cuisine can work at 47 East Ridgewood Avenue.

An employee in December said Diwani (or, "honor" in Hindi) took over for Mela in the fall.

The current owners could not be reached for comment. The e-mail address listed also was not in service.

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According to its website, Diwani's chef "and his team expertly prepare fresh farm-to-table Indian dishes. It is a destination for the food lovers who look for authentic Indian food and snacks served in a traditional way. We offer fine culinary experience to our guests at our restaurant which is famed among the top most restaurants."

The menu contains all the staples of Indian food – you'll see tandooris, kebobs, curries, breads. Prices suggest the restaurant – which locally has competition in the form of Kailash and Brick Lane Curry House – is pretty moderate. Most dishes range from $14-21 and delivery is available. The lunch specials hover around $11.

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The Mela interior is completely remade, with Diwani utilizing a dark ruby paint with black accents.

The Diwan Group previously operated a restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, which closed in 2008. Another restaurant, on E. 52 St., remains open for business.

So, have you been there? What do you think? Does it give Kailash and Brick Lane a run for their money?


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